Passport Atlas

Entering United Kingdom

United Kingdom playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#131

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

112

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Country profile

Capital

London

Population

68.3 million

Area

244,820 km²

Currency

British pound GBP

Languages

English

Time zone

UTC+00:00

Foreign-born

11.8 million · 2024

Migrant share

17.1%

Ethnic groups · 2011

White87.2%
other3.7%
Black/African/Caribbean/black British3%
Asian/Asian British: Indian2.3%
mixed2%
Asian/Asian British: Pakistani1.9%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type G

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Left

Emergency

Police 999 · Ambulance 999

Dialing code

+44

Airports

LHR · LGW · MAN · STN

Highlights

Big Ben
Stonehenge
Edinburgh Castle
Tower of London
Lake District

United Kingdom Passport Guides · United Kingdom Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Standard Visitor / ETA
Visit / tourism · Visitors usually up to 6 months
- Visa-exempt passports get an ETA first. Visa nationals apply online as a visitor with biometrics.
Skilled Worker
Work · Up to 5 years, extendable, can lead to ILR
- A licensed sponsor issues a CoS; apply online once skill and salary thresholds are met.
Global Talent / HPI / Graduate
Work · GT up to 5 years; HPI/Graduate shorter
- GT needs an endorsing body; HPI is for top-university graduates; Graduate is for UK degree holders.

Immigration routes

Indefinite Leave to Remain
Skilled work
Most work routes 5 years; Global Talent can be 3.
Leads to PR：ILR is UK permanent residence.
Spouse / partner visa
Family
The sponsor meets an income or savings bar; ILR after 5 years.
Leads to PR：The family clock is similar to skilled work.